The use of goal-line technology in football has been approved, in an historic decision by the International FA Board (IFAB).

Two systems, Hawk-Eye and GoalRef, were approved by the IFAB after passing a series of scientific tests.

Fifa general secretary Jerome Valcke said they intended to bring the technology in for the Club World Cup in Japan in December, next year's Confederations Cup and the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

He said the organisation would pay for the systems - around 250,000 US dollars per venue - and leave them in place in the stadiums.

He said: "We believe that it is a great day for football. From an English perspective, today is a hugely important day, it is a cause we have had on our agenda for a number of years."

Technology could be introduced into the Premier League as soon as next year following the decision at a meeting in Zurich.

"The Premier League has been a long term advocate of goal-line technology," a statement from the Premier League read.

"We welcome today's decision by IFAB and will engage in discussions with both Hawkeye and GoalRef in the near future with a view to introducing goal-line technology as soon as is practically possible."